University Terminology
What is a Unit Set?
Courses are made up of one or more unit sets. Majors, Supporting Majors and Minors are types of unit sets.
A unit set is a sequential set of units in a specified discipline. The unit set structure specifies the combination of units required to complete that specific component of the course.
E.G. Unit sets in Economics include an 8-unit Major for Bachelor of Business (BB) students, a 4-unit Minor for BB students, a 6-unit Minor for non BB Students and a 10-unit Supporting Major for non-BB students.
What is a Major?
A unit set which constitute part of a course or courses. The title of your Major(s) will appear on your parchment
E.G. The Finance Major consists of eight core units (120 credit points) and can be undertaken as part of the Bachelor of Business.
What is a Second Major
A unit set which can be completed as (part of) the supplementary program within your course - where your course structure and the primary major you have selected allows it. The title of your second major will appear on your parchment.
Second majors are offered in a range of discipline areas and are generally undertaken to complement your course major and intended career path.
E.G. Bachelor of Business students selecting Marketing as their first major can undertake Public Relations as their second major, while Bachelor of Business students selecting Business Law as their first major cannot.
What is a Supporting Major
A unit set which can be completed as (part of) the supplementary program within your course - where your course structure allows it. The title of your Support Major will appear on your academic transcipt.
Supporting majors are offered in a range of discipline areas and are generally undertaken to complement your course major and intended career path. Supporting majors normally consist of 8-12 units.
E.G. The 10-unit Sports Science Supporting Major (150 credit points) can be undertaken to fulfil the supplementary program of the Bachelor of Sport Management.
What is a Minor?
A unit set, normally consisting of 4-6 units, which can be completed as (part of) the supplementary program within your course - where your course structure allows it. The title of your Minor will appear on your academic transcript.
Minors are offered in a range of discipline areas and are generally undertaken to complement your course major and intended career path.
E.G. The Eco-Recreation Interpretation Minor consists of 6 units (90 credit points) and can be undertaken to fulfil part of the supplementary program of the Bachelor of Leisure Sciences.
What is an Elective?
A single unit which can be completed as (part of) the supplementary program within your course - where your course structure allows it.
The range and level of elective units that you may undertake will vary according to your course structure. You will need to ensure that units you select as electives:
- Are an appropriate level of study for your course (E.G. Undergraduate students need to select undergraduate level units)
- Fit the credit point structure of your course
- Are not more that the maximum allowed amount of first year level units
- Meet the minimum required amount of third year level units
- Are not restricted units
- And you have satisfied the prerequisites for the unit
Electives are offered in a range of discipline areas and are generally undertaken to complement your course major and intended career path.
E.G. Master of Human Resource Management students can elect to complete MAN5121 Leadership V as an elective.
What is a Core Unit?
A unit within a course structure or unit set which students must complete in order to fulfil the requirements of that course/unit set.
E.G. LAW1117 Torts I an LAW1116 Legal Process are core units for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
What is a Supplementary Assessment?
A supplementary assessment for a unit is awarded at the Board of Examiners in accordance with the ECU (Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress) Rules.
A supplementary assessment can take the format of a written or oral exam, assignment or practical exam.
Supplementary assessments for units offered by the Faculty of Business and Law will be scheduled within the official Supplementary Exam period for that Semester - listed in the ECU Academic Calendar. When available, the date set for FB&L supplementary assessments will be published in Faculty News and Events.
What is a Conceded Pass
A conceded pass for a unit is awarded at the Board of Examiners in accordance with the ECU (Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress) Rules.
What is Advanced Standing?
The granting of credit towards the completion of a course based on studies or experience gained elsewhere (also called exemptions). Advanced standing is awarded in accordance with the ECU (Admission, Enrolment and Academic Progress) Rules.
E.G. Bachelor of Business students who have completed a Diploma of Accounting at TAFE may be eligible for advanced standing. Bachelor of Business students who have completed a Certificate IV at TAFE will not be eligible for advanced standing.
What is a Specialistion
A recommended selection of units in one discipline area. The specialisation is not recorded on either your parchment or academic transcript.
E.G. MBA Students can elect to complete a specialisation in Commercial Law, Health Services Management, School Management or Wine Marketing or from the other specialisation options available.
Glossaries
Abbreviating your course title and award
There is a specific way to abbreviate your course title and award:
- Award Abbreviations
(E.G. Human Resource Management = HRMgt) - Post-Nominals
(E.G. Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management = BHos&TsmMgt)